Milam earns Top 10 finish, Indians 6th in Gulf Coast Invitational

BAY ST LOUIS – The Itawamba Community College golf team finished the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Invitational on a strong note improving 13 strokes from their opening round effort to finish sixth place in the opening event of the season.

Scott Milam (Tupelo) lead the charge on the final 18 and earned a finish tied for tenth after carding a 75 (+3) on Monday.

“Scott played really well today,” said ICC golf coach Dr. David Rather. “He played his game. He didn’t try to do anything outside what he would do on any other normal round. I think nerves might have caught up with him little on Sunday, but he did a good job of settling down and staying focused today.”

Miliam finished tied with Northwest’s Sam Cooper with a two-day total of 160 (+16) after finishing tied for 22nd when he carded an opening round 85 (+13) on Sunday.

Sam Warren (Saltillo) and Tyler Rosenthal (Shannon) finished tied with each other for the 27th spot of the tournament turning in a 36-hole total of 171 (+27) after both carded an 85 (+13).

“Sam and Tyler both have a lot of good golf waiting to be play ahead of them,” said Rather. “These guys are competitors and will come back home with a fire to hit the links to play a lot more to help improve their games.”

Jake Scott (Shannon) finished in a three-way tie for 29th with a two-day total of 172 (+28) after carding back-to-back rounds of 86.

“It was a tough round for Jake,” said Rather. “He couldn’t get the breaks you need to help you turn in a good round, but he didn’t let that bother him and he was able to turn in a pair of consistent rounds. He’ll keep working to get those breaks next time he’s out there.”

Dustin Poole (Belmont) made one of the biggest leaps of the tournament carding a final-day 85 (+13) after carding a 92 (+17) on Monday to finish tied with Trey Johnson of Holmes at 177 (+33).

“Dustin had a tough day on Monday, but it shows just how strong his game is by not losing the mental side of things to turn in a much better round today,” said Rather.

Host Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College turned in a tournament-low 305 on Monday to overcome a two-stroke deficit to edge out Copiah-Lincoln Community College for the tournament championship.

The Indians will hit the links again on March 2nd and 3rd for the Hinds Community College Invitational at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Raymond, MS.

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